A loyalist protester involved in creating barricades at an Irish republican procession avoided jail yesterday.
Liam McMillan, 23, was part of a "large scale disturbance" in Glasgow's Govan on August 30 2019.
Glasgow Sheriff Court heard there was an organised procession held by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band.
READ MORE: Investigation launched after 'mutilated' dog found dead in Paisley park
The Wolfe Tone Irish Republican Flute band as well as the Coatbridge United Irishmen Flute band were also there. Around 100 people were expected to attend along with 30 stewards.
Prosecutor Carrie Stevens told the court that a "significant counter protest from the Loyalist fraternity developed."
The 400 protesters spread across number of streets in Govan with the largest crowd gathered at a cenotaph on Govan Road. The hearing was told that the protesters refused to engage with police.
Miss Stevens: "It became apparent that if the procession was to proceed through the area of the counter protesters, this was likely to lead to serious disorder."
Officers attempted to contain the protesters at the cenotaph to allow the flute band to take an alternative route. But, due to street layout and the high numbers, the protesters were able to make their way towards the park where the procession was located.
Public order officers were deployed to use dispersal tactics such as baton dispersals, horses and dogs. The protesters were pushed back but they created barricades and set small fires on the road and pavements.
Miss Stevens: "They continued gesturing towards officers.
"Significant disruption was caused in the area with a huge number of people congregating on the road preventing vehicles and pedestrians moving in the area."
Due to the "large scale disturbance" CCTV and social media footage was used to trace those responsible.
McMillan - wearing a facemask - was identified by his hooded Lacoste top as part of the crowd.
Miss Stevens: "He assisted the crowd by adding wheelie bins to the barricade in the middle of the road.
"Cars attempted to drive down the road but were blocked by the number of people in the crowd and the bins."
Officers visited his home in October 2019 and the Lacoste top was recovered after a search before arresting him.
McMillan, of Govan, pled guilty to a single charge of breach of the peace.
READ MORE:
Lovely note on Glasgow park bench to 'Good Samaritan' who found lost handbag
Car overturns on busy Glasgow road and smashes into metal railings near Tesco Extra
Amazing' Glasgow mum dies suddenly at home aged just 36 leaving family heartbroken
Glasgow student diagnosed with stage 4 cancer three years after 'glaring' symptoms started
Glasgow cafe owner arrested by armed police on busy street is convicted stalker
